The community educator studies train specialists in adventure and outdoor education. Adventure and outdoor education is based on experiential and activity-based learning methodology and aims at supporting the growth, development, wellbeing and agency of individuals, groups and communities.

As the basis of the studies is a multidisciplinary theoretical framework, which is put into practice in versatile authentic learning environments, such as lakes, the sea, forests, and in the fells and wilderness of Lapland. During the studies, students learn to plan and carry out safe adventure educational processes for different target groups and to evaluate and develop adventure educational activities.

The degree programme for community educators provides students with a wide range of skills for employment as a professional in the diverse area of adventure and outdoor education. After graduation, students have multiple employment opportunities within the different sectors of national and international working environments. Community educators with adventure educational orientation can be employed e.g. in the field of youth work, organizational work, education and training, wellbeing services, or nature- and adventure-based entrepreneurship.

Qualification

Community Educator (BH), Adventure and Outdoor Education, is a bachelor’s degree programme within the field of Humanities and Education. The degree complies with the criteria imposed for universities of applied sciences (UAS) by the national qualifications system in Finland and with the European and national frameworks for qualification and other competences (level 6).

Career Opportunities

The studies in community education with adventure educational orientation coach the students towards the mastery of the variety of skills needed in the professional field of community and adventure education. Students acquire the essential principles and practices of preventive work and wellbeing promotion and familiarize themselves with the different forms of action within communities and society.

During the studies, students acquire pedagogical, social, technical, environmental and safety skills and are also prepared for entrepreneurship. Practical training periods and collaboration with working life are an essential part of developing the community skills and adventure educational competences of the students (see also Learning Environments).

The methods of adventure and outdoor education can be applied in various environments and contexts with different target groups, in different sectors of society. Adventure education can be applied e.g. in the areas of preventive work, youth and NGO work, education and training, and nature- and adventure-based entrepreneurship. In addition, depending on the students’ own interests and specialization, they may choose to work as instructors in e.g. kayaking, trekking, rock climbing and skiing.

Admission Services

Before contacting Admission Services, please read these pages and the information at www.studyinfo.fi carefully.